Eddie Van Halen undergoes emergency surgery

Eddie Van Halen could be out of action for six months after undergoing emergency surgery.
Van Halen, lead guitarist in the band of the same name, had been suffering from a severe case of Diverticulitis. The disease is a digestive disorder which involves an inflammation and infection of the colon.

Eddie Van Halen could be out of action for six months after undergoing emergency surgery.

Van Halen, lead guitarist in the band of the same name, had been suffering from a severe case of Diverticulitis. The disease is a digestive disorder which involves an inflammation and infection of the colon.

A special announcement on the Van Halen website reads: “Eddie Van Halen underwent an emergency surgery for a severe bout of Diverticulitis. No further surgeries are needed and a full recovery is expected within 4 – 6 months. Van Halen’s scheduled November 2012 tour of Japan is currently being rescheduled and the band looks forward to seeing and playing for their fans in 2013.”

This is not the first time that Van Halen, 57, has experienced health problems. He had a hip replacement in 1999 and was treated for tongue cancer the following year, resulting in surgery which removed a third of his tongue. He was declared cancer-free in 2002.

In February this year (2012), Van Halen returned with their 12th studio album and first with original singer David Lee Roth since 1984. Titled A Different Kind Of Truth, it debuted at Number Two in the US and Number Six in the UK. The band had been scheduled to perform three shows in Japan, beginning in Osaka on November 20.